ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Women and Child Development
Speakers at a webinar: Severe acute malnutrition SAM is dangerous for the children and needs utmost attention
Kolkata, 21st September, 2021
All the speakers at a webinar organized today by Regional Outreach Bureau, Kolkata and Field Outreach Bureau, Chuchura categorically stated that Severe Acute Malnutrition, known as SAM among the health workers and medical fraternity is dangerous for the children and needs utmost attention. The speakers said that the data revealed in the National Family Health Survey-5  2019-20 showed that in West Bengal Children under 5 years who are severely wasted  is 7.9 % in urban 6.9% in rural with an average of 7.1% however in the NFHS-4 the average was 6.5.
Dr. Sweety Suman Jha, from the Department of PSM, All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, Kolkata said that Severe Acute Malnutrition  is caused by a significant imbalance between food intake and individual needs. She said that WHO has fixed a standard ratio between height and weight for the children between six months to five years, failing to attain that ratio is a an indication for SAM. Replying to a question Dr. Jha said such illness may occur due to famine, pandemic, gender discrimination, failure in exclusive breast feeding and complementary feeding and above all the poverty. She said that a lack of appetite or interest in food or drink, loss of fat, muscle mass, and body tissue may be the symptoms for the disease.
Eminent Nutritionist Smt. Mitali Palodhi stressed the need on exclusive breast feeding and proper complementary feeding. She said it is not always necessary to go for high cost foods; even normal food intake in proper quantity can serve the purpose of required nutrition. Smt. Palodhi opined that as the main reason for SAM is poverty hence it is extremely necessary to have homemade food as the source of balanced nourishment. In this context she said that a powder mix of 100 gms cereal grinded with 30 gms pulses can be a good source of nutrients. She also stressed on having coloured vegetables, fruits etc.
Smt. Ratula Chowdhury, Asst Teacher , Chakmukanda Basanti Vidyapith, Paschim Medinipur shared her experience on the topic and described how the children of the interior rural areas are being deprived of the proper nutritional food. She said the pandemic came as a setback in providing nutritious food among the students of rural areas as they could not provide cooked mid-day meal.
The webinar was attended by more than 100 participants.
SDG
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Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Government carrying out regular scientific studies to monitor the changes in Himalayan glaciers
Climate change and its impact on glaciers remains a global challenge which requires global efforts and actions. Government of India is committed to protect the glaciers and has made efforts to reduce the impact through several adaptation and mitigation measures. This includes a number of programmes under National Action Plan on Climate Change. Various R&D projects are being supported for studying Himalayan Glaciers under the National Mission for Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem and National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change.
Several areas in the Himalayan States have also been declared as National Parks or Protected Areas, such as, Gangotri National Park, Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, and Great Himalayan National Park.
In addition, the Government of India through its various organizations such as Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Geological Survey of India and Indian Space Research Organization has been carrying out regular scientific studies to monitor the changes in Himalayan glaciers.
The final outcomes at the Conference of Parties  to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change  are in the form of various decisions agreed to by consensus of all the Parties following extensive negotiations, while taking into consideration the principles of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities in the light of different national circumstances, as applicable to developing countries. Accordingly, the measures being undertaken by India are also based on aforementioned principles. These include India’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions  and declaration of net-zero by 2070 and efforts in domestic climate action with a wide range of initiatives, programmes and schemes for mitigation and adaptation purposes.
This information was given by Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
President's Secretariat
President’s Easter Greetings
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind in his message on the eve of Easter has said:-
“On the auspicious occasion of Easter, I extend my greetings and best wishes to all the fellow citizens, especially to the members of the Christian community in India and abroad.
It is believed that Jesus Christ resurrected on this very day which is celebrated as Easter. A very sacred festival for the Christians, Easter inspires people to follow the path of love, sacrifice and forgiveness. Let us learn from the teachings of Jesus Christ and work together to advance the common good of entire humanity.
May this festival instil in us the sense of unity and reinforce our commitment to the well-being and prosperity of our nation and a shared society. In these testing times, when we are fighting COVID-19, let us all resolve to celebrate this sacred festival with our families while staying at home, following 'Social Distancing' norms and other government instructions”.
Click here to see President's message in Hindi
Ministry of Finance
Stand-Up India Scheme extended till 2025
Government proposes streamlining multiple labour laws into a set of four Labour Codes
New-age skills like AI, Big Data, VR, Robotics and Internet of Things to be promoted
The Stand Up India Scheme has been extended upto the year 2025. This was stated by the Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting the Union Budget 2019-20 in the Parliament today. “Stand-Up India Scheme has delivered enormous benefits. The country is witnessing emergence of thousands of entrepreneurs from women and also from the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, most of them assisted to set up their businesses and industry with capital provided under the Stand-Up India Scheme”, she said. The Minister said that banks will provide financial assistance for demand based businesses under this scheme, including for acquisition of scavenging machines and robots.
The Finance Minister said that the Government also proposes to streamline multiple labour laws into a set of four labour codes which will ensure the standardisation and streamlining of the process of registration and filing of returns, which is further expected to reduce the disputes.
Highlighting the achievements of the Government in the field of skill development, the Finance Minister said that through the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana , the Government enables about 10 million youth to take up industry-relevant skill training. To prepare the youth for the future and also to take up jobs overseas, the Government will increase focus on skill sets needed abroad including language training, the Minister explained. She also added that focus shall be given to new-age skills like Artificial Intelligence , Internet of Things, Big Data, 3D Printing, Virtual Reality and Robotics, which are valued highly both within and outside the country, and offer much higher remuneration.
The Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman said that under Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana , the Government contribution to the Pension Scheme has been increased from 8% in 2016-17 to 12% for both Employees Provident Fund and Employee’s Pension Scheme for all sectors w.e.f. 01.04.2018. As a result of this measure, number of beneficiaries increased by almost 88 lakhs during FY 2018-19. As on 31.03.2019, total beneficiaries under the Scheme are 1,18,05,000 and the establishments benefitting are 1,45,512.
Ministry of Defence
89 GENTLEMEN CADETS PASS OUT FROM OFFICERS TRAINING ACADEMY GAYA  ON 12 JUNE 2021
A total of 89 Gentlemen cadets  - 46 Course, 60 Gentlemen Cadets of Technical Entry Scheme  - 43 Course and nine from Assam Rifles) passed out from the Officer Training Academy, Gaya  in an impressive Passing Out Parade while observing strict COVID protocols today. The young officers from the TES Course will now proceed to pursue a degree in Engineering at various Army Cadet Training Wings of Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering , Secunderabad, Military College of Telecommunication Engineering , Mhow and College of Military Engineering , Pune.
Lieutenant General G A V Reddy, Commandant, Officers’ Training Academy, Gaya was the Reviewing Officer reviewed the parade. The entire ceremony was conducted with due COVID precautions while observing strict social distancing and personal protection protocols.
The Silver Medal for standing first in the Order of Merit amongst the passing out Special Commissioned Officers’ Course was awarded to Academy Cadet Adjutant Gurumayum Kennedy Sharma and Gurez Company was awarded the Chief of Army Staff Banner for Best Overall Performance during the Spring Term 2021.
Addressing the parade, the Commandant congratulated the Gentlemen Cadets for their excellent drill and urged the young officers to make their Nation and their Alma Mater proud by rendering selfless, dedicated and professional service. He emphasised the importance of being scholar warriors, spearheading innovative responses to myriad challenges on the battlefield so as to outthink; and outperform the adversaries. Congratulating the proud parents who were witnessing the event via live streaming, Lieutenant General G A V Reddy said that they were amongst the lucky few whose sons will get the opportunity to serve in the Armed Forces which stand amongst the best in the world.
Officers’ Training Academy, Gaya was raised on 18 July 2011 with the motto of ‘Shaurya Gyan Sankalp’ . Presently, the Academy conducts training for Technical Entry Scheme  and Special Commissioned Officer  entries. The Gentlemen Cadets of TES course join the Academy after completing their intermediate exams, while SCO Gentlemen Cadets are selected from the ranks.
Special Service and Features
CDB observed 'Kisan Bhagidari Prathmika Hamari Campaign' under 'Annadata Devo Bhava'
Kochi: April 26, 2022
Coconut Development Board organized a nationwide campaign for coconut farmers along with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on the theme 'Kisan Bhagidari Prathmika Hamari' under 'Annadata Devo Bhava' programme. Union Agriculture Minister, Shri Narendra Singh Thomar inaugurated the programme virtually and addressed the farmers. During his inaugural address, he said that the programme is being organized on mission mode as part of eradication of poverty in the country right from the village level.
He further spoke on the 'Kisan Bhagidari Prathmika Hamari' campaign under the Annadata Devo Bhava programme wherein the government is bestowing importance to farmers' participation. On the occasion, he briefed on the importance of Kisan Credit Card scheme, Fasal Bhima Yojana, Soil Health Card etc. He also highlighted the necessity for adoption of advanced technologies and the need to establish more Farmer Producer Organizations in the country.
Shri Kailash Choudhary, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare who spoke on the occasion said that farmers should take advantage of all the schemes introduced by the government and adopt new technologies, new seeds and new varieties of crops.
Krishi Vigyan Kendras from across the country facilitated the participation of farmers in the programme through virtual mode.
Shri. K Shanmugasundaram, MP, Pollachi constituency inaugurated the Centre of Excellence for Coconut at the CDB, DSP Farm of the Board in Dhali, Tamilnadu. Around 200 coconut farmers and FPO members participated in the programme.
(Inauguration of the Office building cum Farmers training Centre in the DSP farm of the Board at Tripura was also held as part of the campaign. Shri Pranajit Singha Roy, Minister for Agriculture, Government of Tripura inaugurated the programme. Around 500 coconut farmers participated in the programme
A three day Virtual Trade Fair on Coconut Products showcasing a variety of diversified processed products from different parts of coconut was also kickstarted as part of the programme.
Coconut Development Board also conducted 14 programmes in Kerala, Tamilnadu, Karnataka, West Bengal, Tripura and Lakshadweep as part of the campaign. Around 3,500 farmers from various states took part in the programme.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
The Khelo India University Games 2021 cultural program is a fantastic event to unwind: KIUG athletes
Students from Jain University have come together to unique organise cultural programmes and handicrafts stalls from 25th April 2022 to 02nd May 2022
While the athletes toil hard in their various events during the day, the students of the Jain University, which is hosting the Khelo India University Games 2021 in Bengaluru, have taken the responsibility of entertaining the athletes and keeping the atmosphere upbeat through a Cultural Program from 25 April 2022 to 02 May 2022.
On a large ground on the Jain University campus, the organizers of the cultural program have constructed a massive stage on which dance, music, and fashion among others will be performed during the course of the eight-day event. The Cultural Program, which is open to all  present at the Khelo India University Games 2021, also has numerous stalls with interesting commodities such as Cauvery Handicrafts, Jute Bags and Natural Soaps among others on offer. The organizers of the Khelo India University Games 2021 have also ensured that there is a robust security system in place ensuring that all persons feel safe on the campus, while the sporting and cultural events take place throughout the day.
Speaking about how the performers have been selected for the event, Nikita Sil, overall cultural coordinator and also a student from the Jain University said, "All the colleges at Jain University have their own professional teams for dance, music and fashion. So, each of the colleges has sent their teams for each of the art forms being performed in the cultural event. There are six campuses in the University and every campus is putting up four-five performances totally."
A volleyball player from Punjabi University - Vanshika Verma thoroughly enjoyed the Cultural Program after facing a tough loss, "We had a lot of fun in the cultural event. We enjoyed it a lot. All the stress was gone by the end of the event. We went there after we went down in the Quarter-Finals, so it was a good way to unwind after a loss. We danced to Bollywood and Punjabi songs."
Ezhilmathi DP, who is part of the SRM University, which won the Gold in the volleyball competition, said, "We went to the cultural event after our Semi-Final match. We danced at the venue and also enjoyed the performances and the music played at the event. We were a little nervous about our Final even though we had just won the Semi-Final, so it was good for the team to get to a cultural event and have some fun."
All the personnel involved in the Khelo India University Games 2021 are in for a treat in the next few days as they will get an opportunity to witness a variety of shows including but not withstanding Ekyam Dance, Stand Up Comedy, Contemporary Dance, Kathak and Free Style Dance.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
3,13,668 Domestic Passengers fly on 28th February 2021
Highest number since resumption of Domestic Flights on 25th May 2020
Number of domestic passengers on 28th February 2021 rose to 3,13,668 on 2,353 flights, Shri Hardeep S Puri, MoS, I/C, Civil Aviation said. He added that this is the highest since resumption of domestic flights on 25th May 2020.
Total flight movements on 28th February 2021 were 4699. The total number of footfalls on airports was 6,17,824.
In the wake of Covid-19 pandemic, domestic flight operations were ceased with effect from midnight  of 24th March 2020. The operation resumed after two months on 25th May 2020.
President's Secretariat
President of India flags off Red Cross relief supply for flood affected people in Assam, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, flagged off nine trucks of Red Cross relief supplies from Rashtrapati Bhavan today  in the presence of Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan. The President of India is the President of Indian Red Cross Society .
These relief supplies for the flood affected people of Assam, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh shall be carried from Delhi to the concerned states by train and will be received by the state Red Cross branches of respective states.
The relief material included items such as tarpaulins, tents, saris, dhotis, cotton blankets, kitchen sets, mosquito nets, bed sheets, buckets and two water purification units. In addition, COVID-19 protection items such as surgical masks, PPE kits, gloves and face shields are also part of the relief material flagged off by President Kovind. These items are meant to safeguard and protect health workers associated with IRCS medical services in these states as well as the volunteers of IRCS who are at the forefront of flood relief and rehabilitation efforts.
The supply of the above materials is in continuation and in addition to the material already provided by IRCS to be distributed by the state Red Cross branches to the affected people.
On the occasion of flagging off, Shri R. K. Jain, General Secretary, IRCS briefed the President on the initiatives and the work done by IRCS to serve the people affected by floods and COVID-19 in different parts of the country.
Officials of President’s Secretariat and IRCS were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the President congratulated the people of Jharkhand on the 17th anniversary of the formation of the State. He said that having seen and felt the enthusiasm of the people present at the foundation day celebrations, he truly appreciated the vision of former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who decided to establish the state of Jharkhand.
The President paid tributes to illustrious heroes of Jharkhand, including the freedom fighter Birsa Munda, whose birth anniversary was also celebrated today, Sido-Kanhu, Chand-Bhairav, Tilka Manjhi, Nilambar-Pitambar, and Jaipal Singh Munda, 1928 Olympic hockey captain and former MP. He said they devoted their lives to the creation of a society based on equality and justice. We should all take a pledge to build a nation and build a Jharkhand, the President said, where every person will experience equality and prosperity as per the dreams of Birsa Munda.
The President said nature had blessed Jharkhand with 40 per cent of the country’s mineral resources. This provides immense opportunity for the development of industry. He expressed happiness that Jharkhand was performing well and had the second-highest growth rate among states of the country. In the field of labour reforms, it had topped the list for the past two years. From a low rank in terms of 'Ease of Doing Business' in 2014, Jharkhand is now counted as among the best states.
Earlier, the President commenced his engagements in Ranchi by paying respects before the statue of ‘Dharti Aba’ Birsa Munda.
Later in the day, the President received the first copy of the Hindi translation of Paramhansa Yogananda’s book ‘God Talks with Arjuna - The Bhagavad Gita’ in Ranchi. He received the copy from Smt Draupadi Murmu, the Governor of Jharkhand, who formally released the book.
Speaking on the occasion, the President congratulated Yogoda Satsanga Society and those associated with it for their commendable contribution in spreading the message of yoga all over the world. He also appreciated the service of the Society’s ashrams and meditation centres in social welfare activities.
Click here for the Text of speeches of the President 1st occasions.
Click here for the Text of speeches of the President 2nd occasions.
Ministry of Science & Technology
Artificial photosynthesis to provide solutions for carbon capture and conversion
Scientists have found a method to mimic nature’s own process of reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, namely photosynthesis, to capture excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This artificial photosynthesis  harnesses solar energy and converts the captured carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide , which can be used as a fuel for internal combustion engines.
In artificial photosynthesis , scientists are essentially conducting the same fundamental process in natural photosynthesis but with simpler nanostructures. However, there are plenty of hurdles to overcome as a successful catalyst to carry out AP.
A team of Scientists from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science & Technology , Government of India,designed and fabricated an integrated catalytic system based on a metal-organic framework  comprising of a photosensitizer  that can harness solar power and a catalytic centre that can eventually reduce CO2. The work described above has been accepted for publication in the journal ‘Energy& Environmental Science’ of Royal Society of Chemistry, UK.
The scientists have immobilized a photosensitizer, which is a chemical called ruthenium bipyridyl complex 2Cl2]) and a catalytic part which is another chemical called rhenium carbonyl complex 5Cl]), inside the nanospace of metal-organic framework for artificial photosynthesis. Both these molecular entities stay in close proximity in the confined nano-space of a porous metal-organic framework system resulting in excellent CO2 uptake capability at room temperature. This synthetic strategy empowers efficient solar light-driven photocatalysis.
The developed catalyst exhibited excellent visible-light-driven CO2 reduction to CO with more than 99% selectivity. The catalyst also oxidizes water to produce oxygen . The photocatalytic assembly, when assessed for CO2 reduction under direct sunlight in a water medium without any additives, showed superior performance of CO production. Being heterogeneous, the integrated catalytic assembly can be reused for several catalytic cycles without losing its activity.
JNCASR team believes this intricate design and synthetic approach will pave the way to develop new integrated catalytic systems for CO2 capture and conversion of different energy-rich C1 and C2 chemical feedstocks by mimicking artificial photosynthesis.
Authors of the work
Prof. Tapas. K. Maji SanchitaKarmakarDr.Soumitra Barman Faruk Ahamed Rahimi
[Publication link:DOI: 10.1039/D0EE03643A
For more details, Prof. Maji  can be contacted.]
Prime Minister's Office
PM salutes the consumer on World Consumer Rights Day; urges consumers to embrace digital transactions
PM salutes the consumer on World Consumer Rights Day; urges consumers to embrace digital transactions